The story went global and the Charitables are reporting from having just two tables sold, they now have 200 people coming - but are still 60 short of the minimum required for the evening to take place at Cardiff's Mercure Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 27.

Boston is a revered figure in rugby league having moved to Wigan in 1953 after a short spell in union with Pontypridd and Neath.

Read More

He played 488 times for Wigan from 1953-68 and made a staggering 31 appearances for Great Britain, becoming the first man ever to score four tries in one game against New Zealand, and has statues in his honour at Wembley and Wigan.

The dinner has received widespread publicity but response from Boston's home city of Cardiff and Welsh businesses have been lukewarm to say the least.

"The numbers are still coming in but we are still some 60 off our minimum numbers required of 260," said Welsh Charitables secretary David Power.

"I must say a big thank you to WalesOnline as within a few hours of the story going on the website , I received an email form a man in New York seeing the plight we were having.

Read More

"What I find strange is where such a legend of the game, who has statues erected in his honour at Wembley and Wigan, is more recognised and revered there, than he is down here in Wales.

"It seems that we have forgotten him.

"We are going to put the record books straight by holding this tribute dinner."

"On social media we have been fortunate to have retweets off numerous sports stars like Neville Southall, Peter Reid, Jonathan Davies, Nigel Owens, the new Dragons chairman David Butress and even former director general of the CBI and Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Digby Jones."

Rugby fans and companies wishing to get involved can book their tickets to be at this special event. It’s £55 a head and this includes a five-course meal and coffee.

Call David Power, secretary of the Welsh Charitables RFC, on 07973 705062 or email david.power@welshcharitablesrfc.com.

All of the money raised will go to the Welsh Charitables RFC Benevolent Fund.

Over the years the Welsh Charitables have supported charities including Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, The Princes Trust Cymru St David’s Hospice Care, Ty Hafan the family Hospice for young lives, and British Heart Foundation Cymru.